Commissioner Quarles hails withdrawal of WOTUS rule

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles hailed the decision of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today to withdraw the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule that would have dramatically expanded the EPA’s regulatory authority.

“I applaud EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt’s decision to propose a repeal of the destructive Obama-era ‘Waters of the United States’ rule,” Commissioner Quarles said.
“By requiring every puddle and pond to be subject to federal regulation, WOTUS represents exactly how executive overreach from Washington can harm Kentucky farmers and all of rural America. Earlier this year, I met with Administrator Pruitt to ask him to repeal this rule, and to uphold the law in the spirit of cooperative federalism between the national and state governments. I am proud to stand with President Trump and Administrator Pruitt as they work to undo the harmful rules and regulations enacted by the previous administration.”